Kaniva’s Wiregrass project received a generous boost, with John Carter, a long-time supporter of Percy Leason, donating $2,000 towards its development. John Carter, whose family’s farm was located near the Leason property, is one of several narrators for the Wiregrass Heritage Trail film clips. He has chosen to share a brief history of Lillimur, the once-thriving town where Leason was born in 1889.
Lillimur, settled in 1877, was once a bustling hub with multiple businesses, including three hotels, blacksmiths, churches, and a school. However, its decline began in 1887 when the railway bypassed the town, leading to the rise of Kaniva. John Carter’s connection to both the area and passion for Percy’s artwork will help to showcase Leason’s work and the history of the region through video.
In addition to John’s donation, the project has gained new momentum. The panels for the mural have arrived, and TIFF files from the State Library are ordered. Percy Leason’s grandson, Mike Fenton, based in California, is continuing to work alongside Helen Hobbs, the project coordinator. Fenton’s stepdaughter, an animator by trade, will also bring Leason’s cartoons to life using the State Library’s digital files, creating animations that will engage a new younger audience in social history. The family are also offering several original artifacts and artworks if a suitable home can be found for them.
KDPA welcomes any further donations towards this project. The total budget so far comprises, $14,883, Public Records, $1,500 Cash KDPA, $1,500 In-kind KDPA, $2,000 donation – John Carter, $50 donation – Richard Hicks, totalling $19,933. KDPA welcome all offers of narration for further short film clips. Please contact project coordinator Helen Hobbs on 0429 888 250 for all enquiries.
The Wiregrass Heritage Trail is a unique opportunity to celebrate Kaniva’s social history through the art of Percy Leason. With the support of the community, this project will not only create a sense of place, but also promote Kaniva as a vibrant tourist destination with a cultural heritage project that is fast disappearing from Australia’s urban landscape.
Kaniva and District Progress Association gratefully acknowledges the Local History Grants Program and Public Record Office Victoria, supported by the Victorian Government through the Community Support Fund. We also gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of Percy’s daughter Nancy and grandson Mike Fenton, along with Peter Perry, without whom this project would not be possible.
This article appeared in the Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 2 October 2024.
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